Welcome to the magical world of Disney! Offering enchanting characters, thrilling rides, and captivating entertainment, Disney World is a place that every family should visit at least once. However, with so much magic on tap, it’s often hard to narrow in on the best experiences at Disney World.
That’s why we’re exploring the must-see attractions in Disney World, highlighting the main features and providing useful tips to make your visit truly unforgettable.
Must-Sees in Disney World Animal Kingdom Park
Animal Kingdom park is a world of wonder, and while early plans to feature mythical creatures seem to have been scrapped, you’ll find plenty to enchant you at this conservation-inspired wonderland.
Expedition Everest
As the first thrill-ride to enter the Animal Kingdom park, Expedition Everest holds a special place in the hearts of die-hard Disney fans. For newbies and first-timers, this exploration of the Forbidden Mountain presents an equally compelling proposition. After all, where else can you climb to fantastical heights, and in the course of minutes, come face-to-face with a Yeti?
In addition to twist, turns, drops and thrills, Expedition Everest remains one of the best experiences at Disney World, thanks to rich theming and a fabulous queue that will make you believe you really are about to head out on a trek to scale mountain peaks.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
If tangling with a yeti leaves you a little breathless, then it’s time to head over to Kilimanjaro Safaris for a relaxing tour of the savanna. Early renditions of this ride had guests scouring the grasslands for poachers, but these days, the ride has been toned down and offers the best chance to commune with some of the world’s most fascinating animal species.
From the more well-known lions, giraffes and zebras to lesser-known specimens, such as the African Wild Dog or Okapi, you’ll find a wide range of animals roaming the savanna. If you’re wondering, this is no zoo. The 100-acre habitat has been carefully designed to reflect the natural environment of each animal living there.
Pandora—The World of Avatar Land
Disney’s recreation of the land of Avatar is a sight to behold, with floating mountains, cascading waterfalls, and interesting creatures to be found. At night this world glows with bioluminescent light, as animals and plants omit a humming luminosity.
The world of Avatar is a great place to relax during the day, offering many shaded alcoves for sitting and enjoying some of the entertainment offered throughout the by peoples of Pandora. It is also home to two attractions that you must see in Disney World.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Avatar fans will relish the chance to ride a banshee and swoop through the forests while enjoying one of the best experiences at Disney World. Guests are paired with a Na’vi hunter in a complex process that makes it possible to connect to the Banshee you will ride.
After the pairing is complete, you’ll enter a special chamber and board your banshee. Special 3-D glasses are also a part of the experience and provide the unbelievable feeling of diving through the trees. This ride is one of Disney’s newer attractions and is worth all of the hype and lengthy wait times it receives. We recommend taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry to ride first thing in the morning or to purchase a Disney Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane Pass.
Satu’li Canteen
Out of this world refreshment is just a sip away at Satu’li Canteen, located in the heart of Pandora Land. Food here is very different from the typical quick-service theme park fare, focused on healthy selections that taste great. Each bowl offers you a choice of base, including meat or vegetable toppings, with a delectable sauce.
The restaurant also offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world of Avatar. Na’vi art and cultural items line the wall of this former RDA mess hall, where food is served from Pandora’s natural abundance.
The Tree of Life
It’s hard to miss the Tree of Life since it serves as the anchor point of the Animal Kingdom park, but many guests will walk right by without realizing that there is more to see than what you experience on first glance. Savvy guests know that there is a path off the Discovery Islands trail that leads directly to the base of the Tree of Life. Here you can get an up-close view of some of the 300+ animal carvings that make up the trunk.
Disney’s Tree of Life is 145 feet tall, and while its trunk represents the interconnectedness of animal life on our planet, it’s branches and gnarled roots provide shelter and homeland to several species.
You can visit our Instagram page to view a special video on how to find the secret Tree of Life Trail.
Caring for Giants Tour
This private experience takes you closer to the elephants of the park as Disney cast members responsible for pachyderm care, teach you more about these unique creatures. It’s a chance to snap some great pictures of elephants on the savanna, with a closer view than you’ll get when riding the safari. The only downside is that there is a separate fee to experience this must-see attraction in Disney World.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Experience some of the most interesting animals in all of Disney World during this walk-through exhibit. It’s a chance to spot over 50 species of vividly colored birds in the enclosed aviary and watch naked mole rates tunnel through an expansive habitat, but you’ll also get a more personal view of larger animal species.
The Maharajah Jungle Trek is home to hippos, tigers, Komodo dragons, water buffalo and more, all contained within a lush tropical paradise.
Gorilla Falls Trail
Similar to the Maharajah Jungle Trek, the Gorilla Falls trail offers a walk-through encounter with African animal species, making it one of the best experiences at Disney World. You’ll find zebra, meerkat and monkeys, but the big draw are the gorillas.
Thanks to several enrichment activities provide by animal care experts, the gorillas are usually active and ready to entertain and educate guests about their lives and amazingly human-like tendencies.
Meet Moana at Character Landing
Despite being the star of a wildly popular film, Moana tends to keep to herself at Disney World. You won’t often find her making many public appearances in the other parks, because she has chosen to call Animal Kingdom her home. She meets with fans at Character Landing, and a full schedule of her appearances can be found on the Disney World website or through the My Disney Experience app.
Festival of the Lion King
After first opening in 1998, Festival of the Lion King quickly became a must-see in Disney World. A show this spectacular is really difficult to describe, even for someone whose career has been made from painting visions out of words. To say that costumed characters from the Lion King join aerial acrobats and brightly festooned dancers in a retelling of the classic tale just doesn’t do the show justice. In short, this is one of the best experiences at Disney World that you’ll have to see to believe.
Must-Sees in Disney World EPCOT Park
Once envisioned by Walt Disney as a utopian city of tomorrow, EPCOT continues to deliver on the promise of that dream by incorporating leading-edge technology with outstanding educational experiences and rides that take you right out of this world. With so much to offer, you’ll want to put these Disney World must-sees at the top of your list.
Spaceship Earth
This park icon is hard to miss, since it occupies center stage as guests enter the gates. Inside the geodesic sphere, guests board a time rover and travel back into the dark ages of history to explore the advancement of communication over time. After traveling through the early computer era, guests leave the confines of this planet and head into space, for a far-off view of Earth. The ride ends with an interactive look at the future of communication and how people may someday live, based on your individual inputs and preferences.
Spaceship Earth has been a central attraction in EPCOT since the park opened in 1982, making it a classic Disney ride as well as one of the must-sees in Disney World.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
We started this EPCOT list off with Spaceship Earth in deference to the attraction’s iconic status, but if you’re really looking for one of the best experiences at Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind really takes the prize. While fans of the popular film franchise will get the most out of the jokes and humor along the way, it’s not necessary to see the movie in order to appreciate the marvels of this ride. We don’t want to give it away, since surprise elements are part of the fun, but expect to take a hair-raising ride through time and space on this uniquely innovative roller coaster type ride.
Space 220 Restaurant
If Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has you hungering for another opportunity to fly up into space, try lunch or dinner at Space 220. Here, you’ll board a rather surprising space lift and watch the EPCOT park and then earth disappear beneath you as you climb 220 feet above the planet. From your table, you’ll witness the curve of the earth out panoramic windows and see various spacecraft and astronauts outside the space station. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the astrodog.
Food is served as a prix-fixe 2-course meal at lunch and a 3-course prix-fixe meal at dinner. Best of all, we’ve never been disappointed in our food choices, and we’ve tried almost every dish on the menu.
Soarin’ Around the World
The popular Soarin’ ride made it’s first debut at Disney World as part of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. In celebration of the event, Disney World incorporated one ride from each of the Disney theme parks into its current lineup of attractions.
What started out as Soarin’ Over California has seen a recent upgrade, including a new experience that takes guests on a tour across many of the world’s marvels. If you’re wondering how Soarin’ works, be prepared to board a large glider for a 4-D experience. Soarin’ offers spectacular views of some of the Earth’s greatest landmarks on one of the best experiences at Disney World.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
You don’t need to be familiar with the feisty rat of the film franchise to enjoy a real-life view from his perspective. On this must-see attraction in Disney World, guests board trackless vehicles in the smiling shape of a rat, before being whisked away to Remy’s restaurant, where you’ll experience the world as a rodent. If it doesn’t sound appealing, be assured that it’s all fun and games, as you scurry beneath furniture and avoid disaster at nearly every turn.
To learn more about this ride, read our blog post dedicated to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
China Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase
While there are 11 countries represented in EPCOT’s World Showcase, the China pavilion is one of only 2 that make our list of best attractions at Disney World. The China pavilion receives this honor for a few different reasons.
First, the circle-vision movie, “Reflections of China” offers a panorama of the beauties of China, something many people might not see in person. This pavilion also brings the physical wonders of China directly to guests in physical form. In addition to an aerial show of Chinese acrobats, you’ll find a replica of the Temple of Heaven and several Chines artifacts, but the big draw here is a replica of the Terracotta Warriors.
The life-sized stone warriors were originally created and buried with the Qin Dynasty emperor to ward off evil spirts, but the replica is a nice way to experience a bit of the majesty without having to leave the country. Who knows, it may even inspire your future travels.
The American Pavilion in the World Showcase
Just like Spaceship Earth, it’s hard to miss the American Pavilion as you tour the World Showcase, since it takes center stage. There is a good reason beyond the obvious for its prized location. The American Pavilion is home to some of the most inspiring shows in all of Disney World. Attractions inside will arouse a patriotic spirit, while both educating and entertaining.
Voices of Liberty performs at regular intervals, showing off classic colonial songs as well as the perfect acoustics inside the pavilion lobby. From there, travel upstairs for an inspiring performance outlining America’s history.
In true colonial spirit, The American Adventure is led by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, with visits from luminaries such as Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Chief Joseph. Enter a journey highlighted by key historical events, from the landing of the Mayflower to the landing on the moon, accompanied by an original score.
Test Track
While a 2012 update left this ride a little garish and ineffective for our tastes, Test Track is a fun foray into automobile manufacturing. If that sounds a little dull, let us explain why this attraction makes our list of best experiences in Disney World.
After entering a queue displaying GM concept cars and the evolution of automobile safety, guests are escorted into a design lab where they create their very own computer concept car. After fiddling with all of the available bells and whistles, be sure to scan your car into your MagicBand. You’ll need it for the next phase of the ride, where you’ll run your creation through a series of performance tests.
Boarding a test vehicle, you’ll put your concept through safety and handling assessments, ending with an open-air speed test. You’ll see how your car performs after each phase as well as how it ranks against others around you. It’s a fun way to learn about automobile safety with a thrilling finish that continues to attract guests year after year.
With decades of experience in hand, we provide customized guidance, cutting through the confusion with clear explanations and actionable tips. We’ll help you create the best experience, with recommendations and travel planning advice based on the trip you want to have and the memories you want to make.
As travel agents with Mickey World Travel, we at Seconds to Go can take the fuss out of a Disney World vacation. Request your free Disney World vacation quote today or email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com!
Must-Sees in Disney World Hollywood Studios Park
Enter the world of movie magic with interactive rides and attractions that bring some of your favorite films and celebrities to life. Disney Hollywood Studios has some of the best experiences at Disney World across its 135 acres.
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
This is one ride that Aerosmith fans can get behind, but even if you’re not in the band’s fan club, you’ll enjoy the heavy thrills of this coaster type ride. After meeting with the group in their recording studio, you’ll be whisked off by private limo to enjoy free backstage passes—or so the story goes. After a launch that propels riders from 0 to 57 miles per house in under 3 seconds, you’ll whiz past highway signs and dip through loops in an effort to reach the other side of town before the show starts. If you like thrill rides, this is one of the must-sees in Disney World.
Tower of Terror
Drop in on the fright of the century at the abandoned Hollywood Hotel. The theming here is realistic and quite spectacular, aided in effect by references to the Twilight Zone television series. It’s like entering another dimension as the doors close on your elevator, and the ride begins.
We won’t spoil the surprise, but do expect your stomach to reside in your throat for part of the adventure, as your elevator takes some unexpected approaches to the 13th floor.
Fun Fact: While other rides at Disney World may show wait times as low as 5 or 10 minutes, the lowest number you’ll ever see for the Tower of Tower is a spooky 13 minutes.
Star Wars Land
Join space travelers, bounty hunters, traders and smugglers on the outpost of Batuu, where street vendors peddle unsuspecting wares, such as thermal detonators disguised as innocuous soft drinks. It’s home to retired droids and other space craft and a waystation for weary cosmic travelers. If you’re really lucky, Chewbacca may make an appearance within the crowd, strolling the streets for his own glass of Blue Milk.
It’s an immersively realistic space, filled with restaurants, shops and some of the best rides at Disney World right now.
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan or to have seen the movie to enjoy this action-packed must-see at Disney World, but it does help if you want to follow the story line. However, even without knowing who the heck Kylo Ren or BB8 are, you somehow figure it all out.
This is one of the most immersive experiences at Disney World, taking you out of the ordinary world of theme park rides, into your own mission to aid the Resistance. Soon, you’re on your way to the organization’s outpost, but a surprise is lying in wait.
Your craft is intercepted by the First Order and you’re quickly offloaded onto an enemy spaceship where storm troopers wait to keep you in line and all too eager lieutenants are ready to interrogate you. Whatever you do, don’t spill the location of the resistance outpost, because a rescue crew will soon be along to save you—if your errant drone doesn’t first get you recaptured.
It’s a little nerve wracking as you make your escape, thanks to realistic effects, but it’s all part of the fun.
Savi’s Workshop
Star Wars fans will enjoy the chance to create their very own light saber. Guests choose each part for their creation and then follow along as a secret group, known as the Gatherers, teaches you how to construction your device. Just don’t give away the shop’s location when you’re done. The sanctity of the resistance efforts is dependent on your discretion.
Slinky Dog Dash
As you watched the Toy Story movies, did you ever think of joining the toys on one of their wild adventures? Now you can. Andy has assembled his Mega Coaster Play Kit, and Slinky Dog wants to take you for a ride.
You’ll enjoy the downward plunge after the first lift hill and a few other hills and dales before the action stops, slinky stretches out his spring and then compresses to send you flying through the rest of the ride. It’s pure joy as you get a hint of what it feels like to be a spring, and that’s why this ride hits our list of best experiences at Disney World.
Mickey Minnie Runaway Railway
While we don’t much care for how our cartoon friends treat the loyal and trusty Pluto in this one, it is quite a treat to enter cartoon land on Goofy’s locomotive. Unfortunately, things never seem to go quite right when Goofy is left in charge, and this ride is no exception.
As the train comes apart, each trackless vehicle takes off on its own journey through cartoon land. You’ll dive into the ocean deep, survive a tornado, take dancing lessons with Daisy Duck and more, before Minnie and Mickey help to save the day.
Toy Story Mania
Woody, Buzz and pals open a carnival in Andy’s room for this rollicking adventure. Don 3-D glasses and board special twirling ride vehicle to compete in multiple games. Best your family, friends or total strangers in games of ring toss, break the plates and other carnival staples as you compete for the highest score.
There are no physical prizes for the winner, but the fun and competition are more than enough to make this one of the best experiences at Disney World.
Fantasmic!
This nighttime spectacular is an absolute must-see at Disney World. Enter the world of Mickey’s dream as the villains rise up and threaten to steal the show. Fortunately, Mickey has his handy sorcerer’s hat at the ready, and with the help of multiple Disney characters, is able to prevail.
The show features stunning water effects, pyrotechnics and a canvas of dancing water depicting animated scenes. It’s a spectacle like you’ve never seen before, with all of the magical hallmarks of a traditional Disney production.
Must-Sees in Disney World Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom may be the original Disney World park, but its thrills aren’t at all old or outdated. You’ll find classic attractions mixed with new technology and experiences, in a unique blend that brings a trace of nostalgia to even the newest ride.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, #1 Best Experience in Magic Kingdom
This is the newest coaster at Disney World, part thrill ride, part meander through the world of Snow White. Guests will board their own mine train, before setting out across the hilly terrain toward the mine. You’ll experience some dips and twists through this section of the country, but you’ll never feel the strain thanks to innovative swinging ride cars.
Soon, the train slows, and you hear the calls of Heigh-ho as sparkly jewels come into view. Your train crawls slowly through the gemstone mine, giving you time to wonder just where this ride is going. You soon find out as the train drops through a few more hills and twists before coming to rest outside of the 7 Dwarfs house. You’ll be just in time to see the evil queen arrive to give Snow White the poison apple, but can you stop her?
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
In all truthfulness, we prefer the Disneyland version of this ride, but there is no disputing a classic when you see one. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is still “the wildest ride in the wilderness” whether you’re on the west coast or sunny Florida.
Guests board train vehicles before heading into an abandoned mine. It’s the theming here that makes this attraction one of the best experiences at Disney World, so keep your eyes open for mountain goats, bats and other critters, as well as a bathing miner. The queue is also rich with details if you stop to read the signs or take advantage of the many interactive elements.
Jungle Cruise
While the jokes are old and “punny” this classic Disney attraction remains a must-see at Disney World. Board an old steamboat on an expedition through the jungles of the world. Many unique animal specimens await to show off with some interesting antics, but it’s the cast members here who steal the show. After all, how easy is it to pilot a watercraft while telling some of the worst jokes around?
In all truthfulness, it’s a fun experience and one that offers guests the rare chance to witness the back side of water. It all makes sense once you’ve ridden the ride, we promise.
Space Mountain
While showing its age when stacked up against the newer and fresher Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Space Mountain’s status as a classic Disney Attraction makes it one of the must-sees in Disney World. After descending into line on this space portal, you’ll board rocket ships and blast into space.
According to the creative forces at Disney, you’ll blast past meteors, comets and stars, but you’ll have to be quick to see them. This ride is a fast-paced tour of space, with drastic twists and turns as you descend back again to earth.
If you’d like to learn more about this classic Disney attraction, read our blog on the secrets of Space Mountain.
Monsters Inc, Laugh Floor
Join Mike Wazowski and Sully in an escapade to save Monstropolis—this time through laugher and not screams. Cartooned characters put on a show and interact with guests. This attraction is big on audience participation, so don’t be surprised if you’re called on to participate.
Carousel of Progress
First displayed at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, this classic Disney attraction is the longest running stage show in history. Guests are seated in a revolving theater and circle their way through the decades, watching the progress of technology from the 1920s to the near present. It’s as much entertaining as educational, with a catchy theme song you’ll likely sing for the rest of the day.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
While this must-see at Disney World is offered seasonally, it remains one of the best experiences at Disney World—well worth planning a visit between August and the end of October. After all, how many people get to trick or treat at Disney World or see characters dressed in Halloween gar. To add to the excitement, The Headless Horseman trots right down Main Street USA, villains come out to play, rare Disney characters roam the street and more. You’ll pay for the privilege to attend this specially ticketed event, but that just means you’ll have more of the fun to yourself.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
As one of the few parks still offering an all-out parade spectacular, it’s worth taking an hour out of your day to watch the elaborate floats. Children will love sighting Disney characters, while more mature guests will appreciate the intricacy and pageantry that sorrounds each elaborately designed float. It’s a definite must-see, particularly for first timers visiting Disney Parks.
Must-See Attractions Across Disney World Resort
Blizzard Beach Water Park
This is how the story goes: a freak snowstorm has covered central Florida, so Disney makes the most of it by developing a snowy waterpark. However, with the likes of Summit Plummet, one of the tallest free-fall body slides in the world, and Toboggan Racers, where guests compete across an 8-lane waterslide, the thrills here are anything but cold. Child-friendly areas are also available for the little ones.
Typhoon Lagoon
Despite the thrills of Summit Plummet’s vertical slide, we prefer the fun at Typhoon Lagoon when it comes for a dose of water fun. Maybe it’s the 6-foot swells at North America’s largest wave pool or the chance to gather the entire fam for a splash down Miss Adventure Falls, but we find the casual vibe at Typhoon Lagoon more our style.
Winter Summerland Golf Course
Here, you can choose your brand of fun—winter or summer—on Santa’s mini-golf course. Rumor has it that he created the park to entertain his elves during the off season, so expect interactive elements and multiple surprises no matter where you end up hitting the ball. The ending is a little anticlimactic, since Santa has failed to keep up with the latest in technology, but it’s hard to regret spending a couple of hours here.
For a taste of the winter side of Winter Summerland, you can visit our reel on Instagram.
Disney Springs
Shop at high-end stores, dine in unique venues and experience unique treats at Disney’s mega shopping and entertainment complex. It’s the only place at Disney World where you can board an amphicar or soar up to 400 feet above Florida on a tethered balloon flight.
Stormalong Bay
Unfortunately, this must-see in Disney World restricts entry to guests staying at Disney’s Beach or Yacht Club, but we list it here since it just might influence your choice of Disney World resort. Stormalong Bay is the only water park located at a Disney hotel and features a lazy river, white sandy beach, whirlpools, and a shipwreck slide. You can easily skip the parks for a day and spend your time enjoying Stormalong Bay.
The Disney World Skyliner
It’s not a ride, but a mode of transportation. Still, many guests consider the Disney Skyliner one of the best attractions at Disney World. Floating high above the ground, you get a new perspective on Mickey’s Florida home.
The Skyliner is a fun way to tour the world, and the various resorts along its line. For more information on riding the Disney Skyliner, including where you can hitch a ride, review our complete Skyliner guide.
The Disney World Monorail
Similar to the Disney World Skyliner, many guests like to hop on the monorail just because. After all, how many places can you ride a highway in the sky and see some of Disney’s best resorts as well as a bird’s eye view of Spaceship Earth?
Disney World’s monorail runs 3 separate routes and can be picked up at Magic Kingdom, the Transportation Ticket Center or EPCOT. Read our monorail guide for more information.
Enjoying the Best Experiences at Disney World
With 4 theme parks, 2 waterparks, Disney Springs and a vast network of hotels and restaurants, figuring out where to prioritize your time can seem like an insurmountable task. We hope this list of our must-sees in Disney World helps you make the most of your vacation.
